Types of Computers

I. Microcomputer:

A microcomputer is a computer that is physically small compared to mainframe and minicomputers. These constitute a single integrated microprocessor chip in its central processing unit.“All the improvements in cost and usability resulted in an explosion in their popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s.” Some examples of microcomputers can be laptops, tablet PCs, modern desktop computers, mobile phones, pocket calculators, industrial embedded systems, video game consoles and many other hand held devices.


Applications of microcomputers are:

• Playing games
• For multimedia purposes
• Used for home application
  

II. Minicomputer:

A minicomputer is that class of computers which lies in middle range between mainframe computer and microcomputers.“The first successful minicomputer was Digital Equipment Corporation’s 12-bit PDP-8, which cost from US$16,000 upwards when launched in 1964.”
Termed as midrange computers as it fulfils the needs of mid range organizations with its relatively high power and capacity.Can support up to 400 connected users at a same time.
It can also acts as server in a network environment.“Many of the first generation of PC programmers was educated on minicomputer systems.”

Applications of minicomputers are:

• Used in small business firms.
• For minor calculations of data.

III. Mainframe computer:

Mainframe computers are those computers which are used by large organizations to process huge amount of data.Acts as a server in a network environment.Powerful and high performance computer.It is also referred to as big iron. “Mainframes are defined by high availability, one of the main reasons for their longevity, because they are typically used in applications where downtime would be costly or catastrophic. Hence, the term Reliability, Availability and Serviceability (RAS) is a defining characteristic of mainframe computers.”
“Mainframes have the ability to run (or host) multiple operating systems, and thereby operate not as a single computer but as a number of virtual machines.”
Since it is used as a massive storage the data is stored in giga-records or tera-records.
“Mainframes are designed to handle very high volume input and output (I/O) and emphasize throughput computing.”

Applications of mainframe computers are:

• Used in large scale organizations or enterprises.
• Can be used as a server as well.

IV. Super computer:

It was first introduced in 1960’s.Cray Jaguar (2009) is the fastest super computer till date.
Super computers are those which are far more advanced than any other computers due to its high processing capacity and speed of calculations.Due to its features it has a very high cost.
This type of computer can process over 64 billions of instruction in seconds.

Applications of super computer are:

• Nuclear energy research
• Petroleum exploration
• Weather forecasting

V. Laptops:

A laptop is a portable personal computer that is small and light enough to be fitted comfortably in a person’s lap.As compared to the desktop computers, laptops are rechargeable and it may give a battery backup to almost 2 or 3 hours depending upon power configuration.
“Normally laptops have thicknesses between 0.7–1.5 inches (18–38 mm) and dimensions ranging from 10x8 inches (27x22cm, 13" display) to 15x11 inches (39x28cm, 17" display) and up”
Also nowadays, laptops are very popular amongst people because of the following reasons:-
• Portable and can be used anywhere.
• Immediacy as anyone can have instant access to information at anytime.
• Due to Wi-Fi wireless network, it enables the users to have easier connectivity anytime.
• It is much quieter compared to desktop computers as it produces less heat and hence consists of few and slow cooling fans.
• It consumes low power and since it can be charged it is not affected by short power interruptions and blackouts.
• Has all in one feature as sound box, keyboard, touchpad, webcam are all inbuilt.

Some of the renowned manufacturers of laptops are Acer, Apple, Lenovo, Hp, Dell, Toshiba, Samsung, Sony, Asus, LG, etc.

Applications of laptops are:

• Used at offices, colleges for presentation purposes.
• Alternative for a desktop computer.